52 may have been applying for a post-graduate job for some time . I think this can lead to low self-esteem , and anxiety .'
Keele University Psychology Graduate
Despite this , many participants vocalised that social media can be used positively . For example , Noon ’ s suggests that social media allows young people to communicate and easily stay connected with peers , family and friends online , which could be argued to decrease the loneliness felt by graduates after moving back in with parents . 104 Social media is also a source for information as well as a platform where graduates can seek help and advice from peers and specialist services as well as potential employers . Many participants suggested that universities could utilise social media to minimise the issue of post-graduation wellbeing by promoting careers advice , signposting to services , and using social media as a platform for students to get in touch . Responses such as the one below illustrate this tendency :
' I think social media can always be used positively . There are already so many pages promoting health and wellbeing . But if this is something that is promoted through the university ’ s social media accounts then perhaps it is more likely that students will feel that it ' s tailored towards them .'
Keele University Economics and Finance Graduate
University Support Results showed that the vast majority of participants did not feel that their university supported them during the transitions that follow leaving university . Many participants felt that there was ' no real follow-up ' after graduation and students were left to figure things out for themselves . Additional research into the strengths and challenges of universities completing a post-graduation follow-up would be beneficial for future research into this topic .
' It was like you handed in your assignments , you get your graduation , you get your certificate and then that ' s that . There ' s no real follow up .'
104
Gwenn O ’ Keefe , and Kathleen Clarke-Pearson . ' The impact of social media on children , adolescents , and families .' Pediatrics 127 , no . 4 ( 2011 ): 800-804 .